Schools singled out for Government praise

TWO leading primary schools in Burton and South Derbyshire have been hailed by the Government for their impressive standards.

St Edward’s Catholic Primary School, in Swadlincote, and the Mosley Academy, in Anslow, have been commended for their continued success in their English and maths results.

Both schools have received a letter from schools minister David Laws, congratulating them on the fact that 100 per cent of students had achieved Level 4 or above in the subjects.

It means that every student at both schools is currently at or above the expected level in English and maths.

It is the latest accolade for St Edward’s Primary School, in Newhall Road, which secured the achievement for the second year running, and was also named among the top 100 schools in the country last month by The Sunday Times.

The Government praise defies the negative view that was cast on schools in the area at the back end of last year, after Education Secretary Michael Gove wrote to Burton’s MP Andrew Griffiths, insisting schools must improve.

Jayne McQuillan, head teacher at St Edward’s Catholic Primary School prised the work of her staff and children.

She said: “It’s very nice to be recognised for the fact that the children are making progress.

“It’s down to having good teaching staff and excellent parents that work alongside us, and the children that put a lot of hard work in.”

Mrs McQuillan struggled to put her finger on why her school is performing so well, but said the important thing is making sure children are happy in order for them to reach their potential.

She added: “It comes down to personalising learning for children, seeing what they need. It’s not just about the ‘chalk and talk’, but making school life experience enjoyable.

“If children are happy, they’ll learn. I’m not saying children in other schools aren’t happy but we’re trying to look at we can cater for the needs of all children so they can reach their potential.”

In the letter to both schools Mr Laws wrote: “I would like to congratulate all staff, governors and pupils for their hard work and success and to thank the head for the leadership in continuing the drive towards the highest standards of educational achievement.”